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Bad light stops play

Hotspurs and SCC were unable to complete their fixture because it kicked off late and we ran out of light. This is disappointing and we hope the Cosmoleague and referees can improve their planning and timeliness to prevent this occuring in the future.
The scheduled kick off time of 5pm allows very little margin for error or delay should extra time be required.
Despite instructions to start the game promptly, the match officials did not. Both team’s players were ready early but the match officials were not. We kicked off approximately 7-8 minutes after 5pm.
A 2-2 draw ensued after 90 minutes and it was already unsurprisingly becoming quite dark.
Extra time started but it was clear that the game would not be able to be completed on time. After around 6-7 minutes of play both teams and the referees agreed to abandon the match.
We respectfully request that the Cosmoleague and referees take appropriate steps to prevent such an occurrence in the future.
We thank Hotspurs for an enjoyable and competitive game. You deserved your draw and we know the replay will be a tough match.

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Replay!

Hotspurs will be really pleased with their performance on Saturday, ultimately forcing a Cup First Round replay against an SCC side who are always strong and up for a battle.
The game started with SCC seeing most of the ball and moving it around nicely, but Hotspurs' stayed organised and resolute to keep the hosts at bay. It was SCC however who broke the deadlock midway through the first half- a run from deep and smart finish putting them 1-0. Hotspurs' heads didn't drop however, and they equalised shortly after- the two wide men combining, with Jack finishing well at the back post from a pintpoint Tommy Greene cross.
Both sides continued to battle hard in the second half, and it was SCC who struck first again- Shotton this time with a beautiful strike into the top corner from distance. Hotspurs continued to fight however, and in the dying seconds of injury time a cross from Phil was picked up and expertly finished into the bottom corner by Daniel.
Under normal circumstances extra time and penalties would have followed, but with the light fading at Dempsey the officials called time on proceedings, and instead both sides will need to settle for a replay over the coming weeks.
Thank you as always to SCC for a well-fought game. Looking forward to the replay, and to a rare Cosmo day off this weekend!